CALGARY - If there was one thing Kevin Glenn proved during his first season with the Calgary Stampeders, it's that the quarterback can be a great leader, even when he's not playing.

For that one trait alone, the Stamps players would dearly love to have the 12-year veteran return next season.

There is a chance Glenn could decide he should be a starter to open the 2013 CFL season, and -- if that's the case -- the Stamps might be forced to deal the quarterback, who had a 10-5 regular-season record as a starter, to another team.

The Stamps got the most out of a two-quarterback system with Drew Tate and Glenn both winning playoff games.

A year after he was traded to the Red & White from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Glenn might not want to play under the same circumstances as in 2012.

And the club would lose a popular member of the team if that happens.

"I would hope he's back," Stamps veteran slotback Nik Lewis said during Tuesday's locker-room cleanout day at McMahon Stadium. "He's a positive influence on our locker-room. He's a team-orientated guy. He's helped us grow as a team and helped us get where we wanted to get.

"After the first playoff game, I went and sat with him and said Drew's going to be a lot better quarterback because of you, because of what you taught him and what you helped him with.

"It's not really a competition. It's a friendship and a bond that we're trying to reach a goal. He's helped people realize what that is."

Even Tate hopes to see Glenn wearing the No. 15 in Red & White next year. There is a chance that with Tate's injury troubles and the career season Glenn had -- with a high in completion percentage and a second-best passer rating -- there will be an open competition at the QB position during camp next year.

It's clear with the Stamps that when Tate is healthy, the 28-year-old Texan is the one who'll be under centre. If Glenn wants out, then the Stamps will need a veteran backup to replace him.

"Whatever is best for Kevin and his family is best for Kevin and his family," Tate said. "I hope he is back. I hope everyone on this team is back. It would make us pretty tough. We have a lot of good guys on this team. A lot of them are really young, too. I don't think the white horse is too worried."

Glenn came into the Grey Cup on a huge roll, having shot the lights out in BC Place Stadium during the West Division final win over the host B.C. Lions. The loss to the Toronto Argonauts in Sunday's Grey Cup wasn't his best performance, but the Stamps wouldn't have even got there without him.

"I would be really happy if Kevin Glenn returned," Stamps running back Jon Cornish said. "He's proved that on this team he's a vital component of our success."

There is no question that after 4,220 yards, 25 TDs and 11 total wins, Glenn is a capable starter.

"He's proved he could be a starter over the past 12 years of his career," Lewis said. "I don't think that would change. Personally, for selfish reasons, I would love to see him back.

"As a player, you want to play. Hopefully, he makes the best decision for him and his family. Whatever that is, there will be no malice. This season was special for us. I hope that for selfish reasons he's here."